Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an opening/closing rear component structure of a vehicle, comprising a luggage space being divided into a upper luggage space and a lower luggage space, a openable/closable door being provided to the upper luggage space and the lower luggage space respectively, and the door for the upper luggage space and the door for the lower luggage space being adapted to selectively adopt either a mode of opening/closing the door for the upper luggage space and the door for the lower luggage space integrally so that the upper luggage space and the lower luggage space may be opened/closed at the same time, or a mode of, opening/closing the door independently so that the upper luggage space and/or the lower luggage space may be opened/closed, whereby it becomes possible to selectively adopt an independent luggage space separated from the compartment (such a luggage space as a sedan-type vehicle has) or a large luggage space in which large luggage can be loaded and unloaded easily

Abstract: A vibration preventing structure of tailgate in an automobile wherein a plurality of hitching jaws formed at a first guide bumper are restricted by a rotary member of a second bumper guide at an automobile body when the tailgate is closed, while the jaws are detached when the tailgate is opened, thereby reducing the noise generated by vibration of the tailgate when the automobile is running, the structure comprising a first guide bumper protrusively coupled at a longitudinal end of the tailgate and sequentially formed with a plurality of hitching jaws; height adjustment device for adjusting a protruded height of the first guide bumper; a second guide bumper mounted at a body in order to allow the first guide bumper to be adhered when the tailgate is closed; a rotary member rotably mounted at the second guide bumper via a rotary axle and formed with a hook to be hitched by the hitching jaw of the first guide bumper; and operating device mounted at the second guide bumper for allowing the hook to be hitched by

Abstract: A pull handle mechanism for vehicle caps and the like of the type having an access door with at least one cable actuated closure latch, includes a base, with an exterior portion received through a mounting hole in the access door and an interior portion configured with an axially extending slide cavity. A retainer engages the exterior portion of the base to mount the pull handle mechanism in the access door. A handle having a scoop-shaped exterior portion with a downwardly opening finger recess, includes a rearwardly extending shaft slidingly received in the slide cavity to permit longitudinal reciprocation therebetween. A biasing member is positioned between the base and the handle, and urges the same together. A cable mount connects the actuator cable with the handle, such that pulling the handle outwardly tenses the actuator cable and releases the closure latch to permit the access door to be pivoted to an open position.

Abstract: A vehicle door, in particular a tailgate (1), the door comprising an outside face (2) and an end face (4) opposite from a region where it is hinged to the vehicle. It includes a handle (10) integrated in the end face (4) and an opening (14) in the outside face (2) of the door to give access to said handle when the door is closed.

Abstract: An operating device for operating an automotive pivotal door has the following elements, which are an electric motor of reversible type; a speed reduction device driven by the motor and having an output part formed into an output gear; a rack member having a toothed side edge meshed with the output gear, so that upon energization of the motor, the rack member is moved axially; a motion transmitting member having one end pivotally connected to one end of the rack member and the other end connected to the pivotal door; and a structure which permits a swing movement of the rack member about an axis of the output gear when an external force is applied to the rack member in a direction to swing the same during the axial movement of the rack member. For appropriately controlling the operating device, a computer-aided control unit is employed.

Abstract: A locking device for a pick-up truck topper, lift-gate or pick-up truck topper window includes an electrically powered actuator and a movable latch mechanically linked to the actuator. The latch is movable between a locked position in which the latch engages the lift-gate or window and locks the lift-gate or window in a closed position, and an unlocked position in which the latch releases the lift-gate or window to allow the lift-gate or window to be swung into an open position.

Abstract: A mechanism for lifting and lowering a wide rear liftgate comprising a single power actuator located near only a first side of the liftgate and a torque tube having first and second arms and a central resilient stem. The torque tube is attached to the liftgate with the stem journaled to the liftgate, the first arm adjacent the first side of the liftgate and the second arm attached to a second side of the liftgate. The first arm is attached to the power actuator through a ball stud which extends through a slot in the liftgate. When lifting or lowering the liftgate, the power actuator applies a lifting or lowering force to the first arm twisting the stem and applying the lifting or lowering force to the second side of the liftgate through the second arm. The ball stud then engages the slot applying the lifting or lowering force to the first side of the liftgate.

Abstract: A vehicle has a vehicle body with a tailgate rotatably secured to the vehicle body for rotation about a generally horizontal axis between a closed generally vertical position and an open generally horizontal position. A pair of relatively spaced first support members are secured to the vehicle body and the tailgate for supporting the tailgate in the open position. Two pairs of latches, each having a first latch element secured to the vehicle body and a second latch element secured to the tailgate, cooperate to have each first latch element engage the second latch element when the tailgate is in the closed position. A pair of removable elongated supplementary tailgate supports each have one portion removably secured to the first latch element and a second portion removably secured to the second latch element when the tailgate is in the open position. The supplementary tailgate supports are preferably substantially rigid and may be made of metal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hatchback door (1) motor vehicle with hatchback door parts (5, 5′) displaceably mounted in relation to the hatchback door. The hatchback door parts are lamellas (5, 5′) which are rotatably mounted in relation to the hatch-back opening (3) and which can be pushed together into at least one lamella package in the open position.

Abstract: A tailgate structure for automotive vehicle and manufacturing method thereof adapted to join an inner panel of a tailgate via a plurality of panels each having a different thickness by way of laser welding, thereby ruling out waste of materials, preventing concentration of stress through uniformity of joined areas and promoting a reinforcement of structural strength at respective members, the tailgate having an inner panel centrally forming an opening, an outer panel coupled to the inner panel to centrally form an opening and a door glass installed on the openings of the inner panel and the outer panel, wherein the inner panel comprises lateral members having a relatively heavy thickness and corresponding to left and right portions of the opening; and upper and lower members vertically connecting the lateral members and each having a relatively thinner in thickness thereof than those of the lateral members.

Abstract: An articulation device for a hatchback mounted pivoting on a motor vehicle via a swivel rod. A structure is provided for automatically controlling the hatchback pivoting movement by a pivoting movement of a first end of a rod relative to the vehicle body structure. The hatchback pivoting direction, relative to the second end of the rod, is reversed during the first end of the rod pivoting movement between two extreme angular positions associated with extreme closed and opened positions of the hatchback.

Abstract: A power-operated tailgate has a bottom end that is pivotally attached to a vehicle by a hinge so that the tailgate pivots about a hinge axis between a raised position and a lowered position. A rotor is mounted on the vehicle for rotation about a rotor axis between a first position and a second position. A link is pivotally attached to the rotor and to the tailgate so that the tailgate is raised and lowered when the rotor is rotated back and forth between the first and second positions by a motor. The link cooperates with an over center stop on the vehicle when the tailgate is in the raised position and with a second stop on the vehicle when the tailgate is in the lowered position.

Abstract: A tailgate of a car, the car for being sequentially mounted by a tailgate inner panel and a tailgate out panel to a tailgate thereof, which the tailgate outer panel is hinged to a tailgate which is vertically openable and closeable, wherein the tailgate comprises a glass plate, a first mounting bracket (or a first mounting pivot) coupled to the tailgate outer panel and a second mounting bracket (or a second mounting pivot) coupled to the glass plate, where the first mounting bracket (or the first mounting pivot) and the second mounting bracket (or the second mounting pivot) are hinged together, such that the tailgate is simple in structure thereof, parts involved are reduced and assembly is easy with manufacturing cost decreased and a beautiful exterior look.

Abstract: A liftgate handle assembly for actuating a remotely mounted liftgate latch comprising a liftgate handle assembly including a housing having a handle pivotally mounted therein, a key cylinder rotatably mounted therein, a main lever slidably and pivotally mounted thereon, a subordinate lever mounted thereon and in pivotal communication with the main lever which is operably engageable by the handle and operably connected to the key cylinder. The liftgate handle assembly includes a cable connected between the subordinate lever and the liftgate latch. The main lever is adapted to be reciprocally slidably actuated between a locked and an unlocked mode by rotation of the key cylinder, and pivotally actuated in an unlocked mode by manually lifting the handle to move the cable via the subordinate lever to operate the liftgate latch.

Abstract: A power operating system for opening and closing a vehicle liftgate has a pair of drive units supported on the vehicle roof and connected to the liftgate for opening and closing the liftgate. Each drive unit includes a planetary gear set that has a sun gear, at least one planet gear and a partial ring gear. The sun gear which is located on the pivot axis is driven by a reversible electric motor. The planet gears are rotatably mounted on a carrier that is attached to the hinge portion that moves with the lift gate and the partial ring gear is attached to the hinge portion that is fixed on the vehicle body.

Abstract: An automotive liftgate assembly for limiting movement of a liftgate along a predetermined direction by utilization of a liftgate limiter. This liftgate limiter is secured to the entryway and has a retractable cable which is coupled to the pivoting liftgate. The extractable cable length is adjustable so as to vary the liftgate's open position.

Abstract: A rear door assembly for a truck cap for mounting onto a truck bed is provided with a specially modified plate disposed at a lower edge of the rear door of the truck cap for cooperatively engaging protective ribs that are disposed on upper ends of tailgates of late model trucks. The enclosure plates disposed on the rear doors of the truck caps extend outwardly and downwardly so as to conform to the general shapes of said currently-available tailgate protector ribs. The enclosure plates enable the rear door to close fully and provide the requisite engagement between the lower end of the rear door and the upper end of the tailgate so as to prevent moisture and dirt from entering the inside of the truck cap.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a closure panel fully retractable below the level of the floor of the vehicle. Typically, the motor vehicle includes a body having a rear bumper assembly and first and second laterally spaced apart sides. The body defines a rear opening. A floor extends between the pair of laterally spaced apart sides. A rear storage area is at least partially defined by the first and second laterally spaced apart sides and the floor. The rear storage area is accessible through the rear opening. The closure panel is a rear closure panel operative for selectively closing the rear opening. The closure panel is attached to the body for movement between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the closure panel at least partially closes the opening and is positioned immediately above the rear bumper assembly. In the open position the closure panel is disposed completely below the floor.

Abstract: A cargo load support system for a motor vehicle having a bed defined by a pair of sidewalls and a swing gate includes a guide mechanism having a plurality of guide apertures. The guide mechanism is adapted for attachment to the bed. The cargo load support system further includes a rail assembly translatable from a stowed position to an operable position. The rail assembly has a plurality of parallel rails and an orthogonally oriented end rail interconnecting the plurality of parallel rails. The parallel rails are slidingly engaged with the guide apertures. The guide mechanism is adapted for attachment to the motor vehicle. The rail assembly is adapted to be detachably coupled to the swing panel when the rail assembly is in the operable position.

Abstract: Apparatus for emergency medical treatment includes a towing vehicle, a trailer vehicle, and a hitch connecting the trailer vehicle to the towing vehicle. The towing vehicle and the trailer vehicle are no more than about five feet wide to facilitate movement of the apparatus through congested areas. The trailer is provided with emergency medical equipment including a cardiac defibrillator, an intravenous fluid delivery system, a sphygmomanometer, and a removable patient cot for supporting a person receiving emergency medical treatment. A bench in the trailer vehicle, used by an emergency medical technician, is longitudinally aligned with the patient cot to minimize the width of the trailer. The trailer has a hinged roof portion which is vertically swingable from a lower closed position to an upper open position, an end door assembly which includes an end door and a movable roof panel which are rigidly connected together.

Abstract: An upwardly folding door for a vehicle is disclosed having a lower door section that pivots inwardly and upwardly toward an upper door section. A pair of struts are attached between the vehicle body and the upper section and a link is attached between each strut and the lower door section. In addition, a shield feature is provided between the upper and lower door sections to cover any gaps that may exist when the door is in an open condition. The door sections have frames that are preferably made from a suitable lightweight material to appreciably reduce the overall weight of the door while still providing desired structural rigidity.

Abstract: An electrically moveable window assembly and control mechanism for a motor vehicle is disclosed in which when a detachable rear roof section is removed or a retractable rear roof section is folded a frameless window supported by a rear door of the motor vehicle is automatically retracted into the door to prevent it becoming damaged.

Abstract: A truck tailgate key-actuated locking mechanism is provided including a truck with a truck bed and a tailgate. At least one locking arm is pivotally mounted on the tailgate with a first orientation for allowing the opening of the tailgate and a second orientation for precluding the opening of the tailgate. A key assembly is adapted to receive a key. Such key assembly remains in communication with the locking arm for positioning the same in the first orientation upon the rotation of the key in a first direction and further for positioning the same in the second orientation upon the rotation of the key in a second direction.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for a window wiper system of a motor vehicle is provided with a bearing block which has a bearing for a window wiper and with a reinforcing device which can be connected with a body part of the motor vehicle and on which the bearing block is fastened. On an end area, the bearing block is provided with a mushroom-type projection which can be inserted in a larger opening area of a profiled opening of the reinforcing device constructed as a reinforcing plate and, from there, can be displaced for the form-locking connection with the reinforcing plate in an opening area of the opening which is smaller than the maximal diameter or cross-section of the projection. On its other end area, the bearing block is provided with at least one receiving device for a screwed connection for connecting the bearing block with the reinforcing plate.

Abstract: A truck bed cap window lock system is provided including a cap mounted over a truck bed and having a window. Also included is at least one locking assembly having a lock housing coupled to an interior surface of a periphery of the window. Each locking assembly further includes a solenoid mounted to an interior surface of the cap adjacent to the associated window. The transducer has a first orientation for precluding the opening of the corresponding window and a second orientation for allowing the opening of the corresponding window. A control panel is included for selectively transferring the transducer between the first and second orientations thereof.

Abstract: A swivelling or sliding hatchback of a vehicle is designed using materials of lower weight densities to form the inner and outer skins of the hatch, to reduce the overall weight of the hatch. The hatchback (1) includes a supporting frame (2) formed from an open or closed steel section, an outer skin (3) and an inner skin (4) formed from a light metal or plastic and mounted on the supporting frame (2) The inner skin (4) is essentially formed by reinforcing ribs (14) and by section rails (19). The hatchback of this structure is particularly suited for passenger vehicles.

Abstract: An upwardly retracting vehicle door is disclosed, such as for use on the rear of a mini-van. The door includes a lower primary door panel and an upper secondary door panel, such as a glass window, that is retractable into the primary door panel. The primary door panel includes rollers on both side edges for slidably mounting the primary door panel on channels located on the vehicle body. When the primary door panel is opened, the window retracts into the primary door panel while the primary door panel travels upward toward the window and along an arcuate path preferably into a pocket within the vehicle roof. In a first embodiment of the invention, a single weather seal is used for both the primary door panel and window on each side with the primary door panel sliding over the seal when opening and closing. In a second embodiment, separate seals for the primary door panel and window are used on each side.

Abstract: A tailgate sealing arrangement for sport utility and other vehicles having a removable, flexible top. The sealing arrangement includes an elongated, rigid member attached to the lower section of the rear portion of the flexible top. The rigid member is removably mounted to extend across the tailgate opening and has a flexible seal depending downwardly from it. The tailgate in the preferred embodiment is mounted for pivotal movement about a vertical axis and has a horizontally extending, flat, upper surface. In operation and as the tailgate is closed, the depending seal contacts and wipes across the flat, upper surface of the tailgate to form an effective sealing arrangement. All of this is done without having to disturb or otherwise manipulate the top.

Abstract: A vehicle door and window drive assembly is disclosed for simultaneously or independently driving a vertically moving door and its associated window between respective open and closed positions. A single prime mover, such as a reversible electric motor, a door moving mechanism, and a window moving mechanism are selectively coupled and uncoupled with each other in various combinations by three electromagnetically operated clutches to provide for synchronized manual or powered movement of the door with the window or independent door and window operation.

Abstract: A two-window closure for the rear opening of a van to obviate a spare tire obstruction in which one window is coextensive with the spare tire and remains in place unless the spare tire is traversed out of the way, but the other window being coextensive with the remainder of the window opening can be opened without traversing the spare tire and thus provides the user with access into the rear of the van.

Abstract: An electrically-controlled tailgate operator for moving a vehicle tailgate between a generally vertical raised position and a generally horizontal lowered position. The tailgate operator includes a ball nut linear actuator received in a housing mounted longitudinally along the side of a vehicle. The actuator includes a rotatable, horizontally-extending externally-threaded worm screw, an internally-threaded ball nut in threaded engagement with the worm screw for linear movement relative to the worm screw, and a sheave attached to the ball nut and around which a flexible cable is routed. A motor is coupled to the worm screw. The flexible cable is attached at one end to the vehicle tailgate, and at its other end to the housing. When the motor is activated to rotate the worm screw in a first direction around its axis, the ball nut moves linearly toward the tailgate and the cable extends outwardly toward the tailgate, thereby moving the tailgate to a generally horizontal lowered position.

Abstract: A tailgate handle assembly in a housing including a flush-mounted handle and an adjacent key cylinder. The housing is spaced apart from a tailgate latch mechanism. A laterally extending lever is slidably actuated on the housing from a locked mode to an unlocked mode manually by rotation of the key cylinder, or electrically via a power actuator, and then pivoted by manual lift-pulling on the handle, to thereby lift a latch rod extending between the lever and the latch mechanism to actuate the latter. An electrical limit switch is mounted on the handle assembly, adapted to being actuated by one slidable movement of the lever to unlock the latch of an upwardly pivotable tailgate window.

Abstract: A handle device for use in imparting a movement to an automobile door about a hinge axis for the purpose of opening and closing the door without causing the user's hand to become dirty. The handle device includes a handle part and a support structure for pivotally supporting the handle for movement about an axis that is parallel to the hinge axis. The movement of the handle part is between a position wherein the handle part is exposed and a further position wherein the handle is received wholly within an opening in the door. Surface structure is provided on the door and surface structure is provided on an end plate on the handle which engage to prevent admittance of dirt and the like into the opening in the door.

Abstract: A single T-handle latching mechanism including a center T-handle, a rotor assembly, a right and left swivel connector, a right and left rod rotator, a right and left lock rod with rotator engagement and a latching contoured end, and a right and left engagement latch plate. An approximately 90 degree rotation of the T-handle will extend the lock rods out to the right and left. With this mechanism, the lock rods also rotate about their axis approximately 180 degrees, with the contoured rod end pulling a door closed as its extension proceeds and, finally, at full extension latching the door securely closed in an engagement latch plate against its frame and sealing, not only in its longitudinal axis, but also in its frontal and horizontal axis.

Abstract: According to an illustrative example of the invention, a motor vehicle comprises a basic frame. A compartment is defined within this basic frame. This compartment is intended for receiving an engine or for receiving luggage. The compartment is provided with a lid which is pivotable about a horizontal axis. For facilitating opening and closing of the lid, a gas spring is in operative connection between the basic frame and the lid. A light source is provided for illuminating the compartment when opened. This light source is mounted on the gas spring.

Abstract: In a hinge (4) between a fixed part (3) and a movable part (1), the pivotable hinge part (6) has a guide device (7) by means of which the movable part can be fixed on the hinge in a desired position relative to this and the fixed part. The movable part can then be detached from the hinge together with the guide device and can then, by means of the guide device, be guided back to the previous position when remounting takes place.

Abstract: A spoiler arrangement is arranged in the rear area of a fast back of a motor vehicle and, in the operative position, extends essentially above a rear window. So that the free design of the vehicle body is not impaired significantly and an effective protection of the spoiler arrangement is ensured when driving through an automatic car wash installation, the adjustably constructed spoiler arrangement is formed by a partial area of the rear window, the partial area in the retracted inoperative position, extending flush with the skin with respect to the adjacent rear window section.

Abstract: A vehicle bed cover assembly is provided, comprising a primary frame member having an exterior side and an interior side, fixedly connectable between the sidewalls of a vehicle bed, the frame member extending to a desired height above the sidewalls; a roller assembly for anchoring and storing a top cover, mounted on the primary frame member; a flexible top cover having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the roller assembly; a first rail for partially supporting the bed cover assembly, fixedly connected to one sidewall; a second rail for partially supporting the bed assembly, fixedly connected to one sidewall opposite the first rail; at least one movable frame member, removably connectable to the first and second rails in a fixed position between the sidewalls of the vehicle bed and extending to a desired height above the sidewalls; a hook assembly for attaching the flexible top cover to the movable frame member, fixedly connected to the second end of the top cover and connectable t

Abstract: A lock device of a door for a cargo room of a wagon type vehicle includes a main lock member disposed at the upper edge of a lower door and having a latch and a ratchet for preventing the reverse rotation of the latch; a main striker disposed at the lower edge of the upper door and engaging with the main lock member; side lock members disposed on both right and left sides of the lower side door; two side strikers engaging with the side lock members; a key operation member disposed on the outer surface of the lower door and releasing the engagement between the main lock member and the main striker; and a door opening handle disposed on the outer surface of the lower door and releasing the engagement between the side lock members and the side strikers.

Abstract: This invention provides two forms of improved guards for a roll-up door. The first form ( 58 or 59) is intended to prevent shifting cargo from intefering with becoming interlocked with the lowered door. This form has a vertically-elongated guard which is adapted to overlie the vertically-spaced hinges, and has opposite marginal end portions closely spaced to the knuckle portions of such hinges. This first form reduces the stepped configuration of prior art hinges, and therefore reduces the opportunity for shifting cargo to become interlocked with the door. The second form (111) is mounted on the door and track, and is designed to prevent shifting cargo from entering the space through which the door must pass as it its raised or lowered.

Abstract: A completely mechanical hold open device for a swingably mounted vehicle closure includes a pair of telescoping members pivotally connected to the closure and vehicle body and a releasable latching means for automatically holding the telescoping members in an extended position and hence the closure in its open position. The latching means is constructed such that it can be automatically released by merely exerting a downward force in excess of a predetermined magnitude on the closure to move the latter to its closed position.

Abstract: Open roof structure for a motor vehicle in which a back door is hingedly mounted on a vehicle roof for movement between an open and closed position. The back door includes an upper portion having a recess. The back door opening includes a rear header on which the back door is mounted. The rear header is formed with a convex projection corresponding to the recess of the back door. A removable roof panel is mounted on a roof panel to open and close an opening which is formed at the rear end portion of the roof panel. The roof panel opening extends to the convex projection of the rear header.

Abstract: A completely mechanical hold open device for a swingably mounted vehicle closure includes a pair of telescoping members pivotally connected to the closure and vehicle body and a releasable latching means for automatically holding the telescoping members in an extended position and hence the closure in its open position. The latching means is constructed such that it can be automatically released by merely exerting a downward force in excess of a predetermined magnitude on the closure to move the latter to its closed position.

Abstract: A back door hinge mounting structure comprising a pair of bolts connected with to each other at the central portion thereof and threaded at the opposed ends thereof, one end of the opposed ends connected to the roof panel with the other of the opposed ends to the fixed leaf of the back door hinge and a hinge cap for covering the mounting bolts which can be mounted and removed only when the back door is open, so that access to the mounting bolts with the back door closed is avoided.

Abstract: A convertible top automobile is disclosed having a space for receiving the convertible top in the lowered position, in which a tail gate is provided, upwardly movable on a four bar linkage system, with support cylinders to afford unimpeded access to the receiving space through an end opening formed by the body portions.

Abstract: An automobile body is provided that has a front windshield, a rear window and a pair of side panels cooperatively defining a passenger compartment with a roof opening. A transparent roof panel having an area corresponding to that of the roof opening is mounted for generally translatory movement from a normal position in which it covers the roof opening to a retracted position in which the roof opening is uncovered. When the transparent roof panel is in its retracted position it lies either above or below the rear window so that a person seated in the passenger compartment can view in a rearward direction through both the rear window and the transparent roof panel.

Abstract: An automobile back door structure includes a back door body formed to include a rear window opening and pivotally attached to the rear portion of an automobile body so as to open and close the rear of the vehicle, and a window glass fixedly mounted on the back door body so as to close the rear window opening. The back door body includes outer and inner panels respectively defining outer and inner surfaces of the back door body. The outer and inner panels are joined to each other at positions where their outer peripheries and the rear window opening meet. The outer panel includes an upper portion having the rear window opening formed at the approximate center thereof and including an outer surface on which the window glass is fixedly secured, and a lower portion joined to the upper portion at a lower part thereof located below the window opening and formed to include a recess for a license at the approximate center thereof.

Abstract: A convertible car having an extendible and contractible rear cabin section. A cabin roof section is pivotally lowerable to a load carrying position and a rearmost cabin portion is forwardly displaceable over the lowered roof section into engagement with a forwardmost cabin portion to contract the cabin.

Abstract: A vehicle body having a passenger compartment and a package compartment rearward of the passenger compartment. The passenger compartment has a rear end which is inclined rearwardly and downwardly. A rear window section is swingably mounted at its upper edge to the vehicle body to cover the rearwardly inclined rear end of the passenger compartment. A trunk lid section is swingably attached to the lower edge of the rear window section to cover the upper portion of the package compartment. Dampers are arranged between the body and the rear window section and the trunk lid section, respectively, to cause pivotal motion of the opened trunk lid section as the rear window section is opened.

Abstract: A counterbalancing device for a hatchback lid on a road vehicle includes a lid hinged at the top about a horizontal axis to the superstructure of the vehicle and at least one counterbalancing unit such as a pneumatic spring. One end of the counterbalancing unit is pivoted to the superstructure and the other end is pivoted to the lid. The counterbalancing unit is pivotally connected to one of the lid and the superstructure by a first lever. A first end of a link is pivotally connected to the first lever; a second end of the link is pivotally connected to a second lever which, in turn, is connected to the one of the superstructure and the lid. A roller carried by the second lever bears against the superstructure or the lid near the closed position of the lid. The device is more efficient than known devices irrespective of the layout of the lid.